EXPLORING THE FINANCIAL LITERACY OF SENIOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Financial literacy has become increasingly vital in society due to the growing complexity of financial products, coupled with the increasing number of financial fraud and deepening concerns regarding the funding at retirement. Based on a sample of 92 senior primary school students, this study first analysed the current financial literacy of students. The results showed that students had better knowledge in concepts, including “earning income”, “managing credit”, and “managing risk” among seven concepts tested. After executing a seven-hour financial education program supported by a University Social Responsibility Project, students showed significant improvements in financial knowledge. The average test score increased from 43.2 to 74.5. This study also observed that female students were generally more financially literate than male students prior to the implementation of financial education program and no difference by gender was found in the post-program test results. The implication from this study is that the financial education program is effective in improving financial literacy. Future educators may refer to the financial education program conducted in this study.